Resistance Training Tool

ABSTRACT

Tools and methods for resistance training are disclosed. An elastic resistance member provides resistance to muscular contractions. Sleeves that wrap around a thigh, arm, ankle, or wrist anchor one end of a resistance band to a body part. A handle attachment may be attached to an end of a resistance band for resistance training exercises using the arms. A harness wrapping around the torso may be used for resistance training exercises using the upper body. A method of resistance training is disclosed which comprises attaching one end of a resistance member to a material fixed to the torso area of a person, attaching the other end of the resistance member to a material fixed to an upper arm of the person, and moving the arm so as to extend the resistance member. Other methods comprise attaching one end of a resistance member to a material fixed to an ankle or wrist of a person, attaching the other end of the resistance member to a material fixed to a part of the person&#39;s body, and moving the ankle or wrist so as to extend the resistance member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The above-captioned application is a Continuation of application Ser.No. 12/607,783 filed on Oct. 28, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/109,876, filed on Oct. 30, 2008. Theentire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

People use a variety of approaches to attain and maintain physicalfitness. Physical fitness may include strength, flexibility,cardiovascular endurance, speed, balance, coordination, stamina, orother attributes (e.g., ability to perform specific tasks such asjumping or throwing a football). Many aspects of physical fitness can berealized by performing exercises that do not require special equipment,e.g., jogging, or push-ups. However, various exercise tools have beendeveloped to enable individuals to achieve their physical fitness goalsefficiently and consistently. Physical training equipment is availablein a variety of forms. From simple weight sets and exercise balls tosophisticated exercise machines typically only found in fitness centers,training tools share a common purpose: to augment the trainingcapabilities of the human body alone. Undeniably, individuals mustthemselves exert sheer effort in order to achieve their fitness goals,but the tools they use may make the training process more efficient.

Conventional free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, are renownedfor their simplicity and versatility. One can perform many differentfree weight exercises to target various parts of the body by usinggravity to counter muscular contractions. Some devices (e.g., benchracks and Smith machines) use weights in constrained manners (e.g., byconstraining a range of motion). Other devices use a combination ofweight stacks, rods, pulleys, and other mechanical means to providegravity-based resistance for specific exercises. Yet other devices(e.g., rowing machines) use other means of resistance, such as hydraulic(shocks-based), water-based, air-based, or magnetic resistance.

These devices have several disadvantages. Free weights and machines arecumbersome. A set of fixed dumbbells, spanning a range of weights thatmight reasonably be needed to target various parts of the body, takes upa considerable amount of space. Adjustable barbells or dumbbells, whichallow the addition or removal of weight plates, solve this problem butrequire time to make the adjustments. Training machines are typicallylarge and target only a limited range of body parts.

Individuals typically find it unaffordable to buy enough machines totarget the entire body. Even machines that have been designed to providea full-body workout while occupying a minimal footprint, e.g., certainmachines by Bowflex(R), suffer from another drawback shared by all ofthe foregoing devices: lack of portability. Additionally, many of theforegoing devices are not suitable for all people (e.g., children) touse.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses the foregoing disadvantages ofconventional training tools. Embodiments of the invention use elasticresistance members to provide resistance to stretching in different waysin order to provide a full body workout.

An embodiment of the invention is a resistance training tool comprisingat least one elastic resistance member, the resistance member comprisingan elastic segment and a swivel clip, attached to each end of theelastic segment, that rotates independently of the elastic segment aboutan axis defined by the length of the elastic segment.

Another embodiment of the tool includes a thigh/arm sleeve comprising amain portion sized so as to accommodate a thigh of a person,hook-and-loop securing means for securing one end of the main portion tothe other end; a tab portion projecting beyond an end of the mainportion for attachment, and at least three rings secured to thethigh/arm sleeve, the rings enabling clipping of a resistance member tothe thigh/arm sleeve.

Another embodiment of the tool includes a handle attachment comprising awebbing member, a handle portion attached at one end of the webbingmember, and at least one ring secured to webbing member.

Another embodiment of the tool includes a harness comprising at leastone webbing member, means for attaching the a webbing member around thetorso of a person and at least one ring secured to a webbing member.Another embodiment of the tool includes a wrist/ankle sleeve comprisinga member sized so as to fit around an ankle of a person, securing meansfor securing one end of the member to the other end, and at least onering secured to the member.

An embodiment of the invention is a method of resistance trainingcomprising attaching one end of an elastic resistance member to amaterial fixed to the torso area of a person, attaching the other end ofthe elastic resistance member to a material fixed to an upper arm of theperson, and moving the arm so as to extend the elastic resistancemember.

Another embodiment of the method comprises attaching one end of anelastic resistance member to a material fixed to an ankle of a person,attaching the other end of the elastic resistance member to a materialfixed to a part of the person's body, and moving the ankle so as toextend the elastic resistance member.

Another embodiment of the method comprises attaching one end of anelastic resistance member to a material fixed to a wrist of a person,attaching the other end of the elastic resistance member to a materialfixed to a part of the person's body, and moving the wrist so as toextend the elastic resistance member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows elastic resistance members in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2A shows a front side of a thigh/arm sleeve in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2B shows a back side of a thigh/arm sleeve in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a handle attachment in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an adjustable harness in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a wrist/ankle sleeve in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a way to use thigh/arm sleeves, wrist/ankle sleeves, handleattachments, and elastic resistance members in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 shows a way to use thigh/arm sleeves, handle attachments, andelastic resistance members in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a way to use an adjustable harness, thigh/arm sleeves, andelastic resistance members in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a way to use an adjustable harness, wrist/ankle sleeves,and elastic resistance members in an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.

Embodiments of the invention tool generally include elastic resistancemembers that resist stretching, thus countering muscular contractions.By anchoring one end of a resistance member and extending the other endvia muscular exertion, resistance training may be used in a variety ofconfigurations to target different parts of the body. Inventionembodiments include various mechanisms for anchoring one end of aresistance member as described above, including using sleeves or aharness. An embodiment uses a handle that may be gripped for someexercises.

FIGS. 1-5 show details of embodiments of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an elastic resistance member (1) providesresistance in an embodiment of the invention. The resistance memberincludes tubing (1-1) formed from an elastic material, such as rubber,into an elastic segment. The elastic segment may be extended by astretching force in a range that accommodates a variety of stretchingexercise, e.g., about two to seven feet, without breaking In any case,the segment returns to the unstretched state upon removal of thestretching force.

Each end of the elastic segment is attached to a swivel clip (1-2) thatrotates (swivels), independently of the segment, about an axis definedby the length of the elastic segment. The swivel clip may be anyconventional mechanical apparatus that includes a hook portion at theend and a means for opening and closing a loop including the hook. Theloop may be opened to allow a loop-like object (such as a ring) to passthrough. The loop may then be closed so that the hook, specifically thecurved portion of the hook, is linked with the object passing through itin interlocking fashion, in which case the resistance member is said tobe clipped to the object.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an anchor sleeve (2), which may be madefrom a synthetic rubber such as polychloroprene (2-1), e.g., Neoprene™(originally known as duprene), is used in an embodiment of theinvention. Similar elastic materials may be used in other embodiments.The sleeve may include rubber backing and may be sized to accommodatethe thigh of an average person, e.g., an adult. The sleeve may also beused around a person's upper arm; therefore, the term “thigh/arm sleeve”may be used to describe this type of sleeve. A piece of loop material(2-2) is sewn (or otherwise secured) to the polychloroprene side of thesleeve at one end of the sleeve. A piece of nylon webbing (2-3) (orsimilar material) is sewn to the polychloroprene side of the sleeve atthe other end. At least three rings (2-4) (preferably D-rings) are sewnto the nylon webbing. The outer two rings face along a common axis, witha curved portion of each ring facing along this axis. If three rings arepresent, the ring in the center is referred to as the “center ring;”otherwise, reference is made to a “central ring”. The center ring facesalong an axis perpendicular (normal) to the axis of the outer rings. Apiece of hook material (2-5) is sewn to the rubber side of the sleeve(FIG. 2B). A piece of hook or loop material (called a tab) (2-7)projects about an inch beyond the end of the sleeve and provides extraadhesion. The tab helps to keep the sleeve from riding up or down aperson's thigh (or arm) in the course of training due to insufficientadhesion. Pieces of nylon webbing (2-6) are sewn to the polychloropreneside of the sleeve between the loop (2-2) and rings (2-3) and betweenthe rings (2-2) and tab (2-7). Another piece of nylon webbing (2-8) issewn in the middle of this nylon webbing (2-6) to serve as loops thruwhich the elastic member (1) (FIG. 1) is passed to keep the elasticmember from riding up or down the sleeve (2) in the course of training

Referring to FIG. 3, an adjustable handle attachment (3) is used in anembodiment of the invention. The handle attachment comprises nylon (orsimilar material) webbing (3-1) inserted through a tube (3-2) which maybe plastic and which may be foam-covered. An end of the nylon webbing issewn (or otherwise secured) to itself at a point approximately 6″ fromthe tube to form a handle portion. Several rings (3-3) (preferablyD-rings) are sewn to the nylon webbing. Preferably, four rings arepresent, at approximately 6″ intervals from the handle portion, butother numbers of rings may be used as well.

Referring to FIG. 4, an adjustable harness (4) is used in an embodimentof the invention. The adjustable harness includes two pieces offabric-covered foam (4-11, 4-12) that cushion the body. Other materialsmay be used to cushion the body in alternative embodiments. Nylonwebbing (4-22) is sewn (or otherwise secured) in the middle offabric-covered foam piece (4-12). Another piece of nylon webbing (4-21)is sewn in the middle of the other piece of foam (4-11); an adjustableplastic clip (4-3) is sewn to each end of webbing (4-21). A ring (4-4)(preferably a D-ring) is sewn to the center of each webbing. Each end ofthe webbing (4-22) is passed through one of the clips (4-3) on thewebbing (4-21). In lieu of clips, other means for attaching the ends ofthe webbings may be used in other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of an anchor sleeve is used towrap around a person's wrist or ankle; this sleeve may be referred to asa “wrist/ankle sleeve” (5). In an embodiment of the invention, thewrist/ankle sleeve is made from a fabric-covered foam material (5-1),sized to accommodate an ankle of a person, to which a piece of nylonwebbing (5-2) is sewn. Materials different than fabric-covered foam maybe used in alternative embodiments. A piece of loop material (5-3) issewn to the front of webbing (5-2), and a piece of hook material (5-4)is sewn to the back of the webbing. To this webbing, a smaller piece ofnylon webbing is sewn at the center (5-5). A ring (5-6) (preferably aD-ring) is sewn between webbing (5-2) and webbing (5-5).

Some embodiments include an anchor sleeve made from foam or elasticmaterials, but other materials and other geometries that allow points ofanchoring (affixing) elastic members are contemplated.

FIGS. 6-9 show examples of using embodiments of the tool to performresistance training In embodiments of the invention, at least oneelastic resistance member (1) is used alone or in conjunction with oneof the other components described above and in FIGS. 2-5. Numerouscombinations of components may be used in various ways to targetdifferent areas of the body for resistance training The followingdiscussion describes several examples of using the components forresistance training but is not exhaustive.

In an embodiment of the invention, for lower body and core (e.g.,abdominal and oblique) muscle group work, a thigh/arm sleeve (2) iswrapped around each thigh, approximately mid thigh, centering theportion of each sleeve with the rings on the outermost (outside-facingrelative to the user) part of the thigh. The thigh/arm sleeves (2) aresecured tightly by overlapping the hook and loop material. A resistancemember (1) is clipped to the forward ring on one leg, passed thru theloops on each sleeve and then stretched in front of the legs to clip theother end to the forward ring on the second leg. A second resistancemember (1) is clipped to the back ring on the first leg, passed thru theloops on each sleeve, then passed behind the legs to clip the oppositeend of the resistance member to the back ring on the second leg. Inalternative embodiments, depending on the goal of the workout, a singleresistance member (1), in front of or behind the legs, may be usedinstead of two resistance members.

As the person walks, runs, jumps, or performs any other form of motionmoving either or both legs, the resistance member (1) (more precisely,the elastic segment of the resistance member) is stretched, counteringmuscular contractions associated with moving the leg(s), resulting inresistive training In other words, the person exerts a force which isresisted by the tendency of the elastic material to return to itsunstretched state. Positioning the resistance member (1) above the kneesprevents strain on the knees which might result in injury. The swivelclips mitigate chafing against the skin by allowing the hook portion toturn in response to changing geometric configurations.

Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the invention, aresistance member (1) is attached to the handle (3) attachment byclipping one end of the resistance member (1) to a ring on the handle(3) attachment. The choice of ring determines the length to which theresistance member (1) will be stretched (and thus the level ofresistance that will be encountered). The opposite end of the resistancemember is then clipped to a ring on the wrist/ankle sleeve (5) (which iswrapped around an ankle), as shown in FIG. 6. A person may grip thehandle (3) portion and move the handle (3) attachment so as to extend(stretch) the resistance member (1) in accordance with resistancetraining As shown in FIG. 6, handle (3) attachments and wrist/anklesleeves may be used in conjunction with thigh/arm sleeves (2).

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, thigh/arm sleeves (2) (instead ofwrist/ankle sleeves (5) as described above) may serve to anchorresistance members.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, for upper-bodywork, an adjustable harness (4) is placed over the head with one of thepieces of fabric-covered foam positioned on the center of the chest andthe other piece centered on the back. Each end of the webbing that doesnot have clips webbing is pulled through one of the clips until theharness is snug against the body. By clipping one end of a resistancemember (1) to one of the rings of the harness and the other end to athigh/arm sleeve (2) wrapped around an upper arm, a person may trainwith resistance during arm movements (e.g., throwing a football orboxing). A wrist/ankle sleeve (5) (instead of a thigh/arm sleeve) may beused in conjunction with the harness (4) in another embodiment, as shownin FIG. 9. A wrist/ankle sleeve (5) is wrapped around a wrist andsecured by the hook and loop materials, centering the ring on the outerside of the wrist. To provide for resistance training, resistancemembers (1) are clipped at one end to the ring on the wrist/ankle sleeve(5) and at the other end to a ring of the harness.

As previously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention may usevarious configurations of components described above. In variousembodiments, any of a thigh/arm sleeve (2), wrist/ankle sleeve (5),harness (4), or handle attachment (3) may be used in conjunction withanother of these components and a resistance member (1). Any of thesecomponents may be used in conjunction with a resistance member (1) and afixed object (e.g., a hook on a wall) in other embodiments. The “fixedobject” may even be a hook clipped to another person, promotingtwo-person exercises where at least one person moves against resistance.Multiple resistance members (1) may be linked together, either directlyor via a ring to which each resistance member (1) is clipped, to providegreater overall length and thus even more options.

Resistance may be varied by adjusting the effective length or thicknessof resistance members (1). In this context, effective length means thelength of elastic material directly subjected to a stretching force,effective thickness means the dimension of the wall of tubing materialdirectly subjected to a stretching force. As described above, theeffective length may be increased by chaining multiple resistancemembers together. Effective length may be decreased by selectingappropriate rings to which to clip resistance members or by constrainingsections of a resistance member, thus preventing them from beingdirectly stretched. For example, the elastic material may be passedthrough the center ring of a thigh/arm sleeve (2) to shorten theeffective length of the resistance member and thus increase resistance.Thus, the center ring accommodates smaller-sized individuals (e.g.,children); previously, separate (shorter) resistance members (1) withgreater resistance were needed for such individuals. Of course, varyinglengths of resistance members (1) may be used for varying amounts ofresistance in embodiments of the present invention as well. In someembodiments of the invention, different colors are used to indicatedifferent lengths or thickness of the tubing (and thus differentresistance levels) of resistance members (1).

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A resistance training apparatus comprising: afirst anchor sized and configured for attachment to a limb of a person'sbody, the limb being an arm, and the first anchor being attachable to anupper arm; and first and second elastic resistance members each havingone end attachable to the first anchor and extendable on opposite sidesof the first anchor and the limb, and another end of the elasticresistance members being attachable to a material fixable to the torsoarea of a person.